Curious to know your streaming and dac set up and the best recommended streamer under $15k

@thyname I demoed the MSB Reference with the Innuous for about 3 months while I was deciding which way to go. 

Thanks so far everyone for your thinking.  Ironically, I had NOT thought of the X1 but what a terrific suggestion.  Demoed the Innuous MK 3 this past summer with an MSB Dac.  Was not overly impressed by the speed of the computer. Felt like it had slow processors.  I am intrigued by the Grimm and admittedly know very little about the product....so definitely an opportunity for me to learn.

@jimmy2615 

Great point!

@thyname Zenith MK3....didn't finish that off very well the first time.

@designsfx I may not be missing anything and appreciate your point. Reason I ask the question is since I upgraded to the Nagra Dac and have experimented with different set ups the sound has really changed.  So, far running the Lumin T2 as the streamer into the Nagra sounds the best.  I wanted to see other ways people have set up their systems to see if I am missing something.  I originally had my Nagra dac plugged directly into the Roon but have since found that by reintroducing the T2 as a streamer in front of the dac my sound improved.  I'm looking to learn from someone like you what their experiences have been since I have only been in the streaming dac phase about 2 years.

Whomever suggested the analog "place" in Minnesota can go to the head of the class.....

@thyname it's not that the MSB didn't do it for me it sounds amazing.....it's just that the Nagra Tube Dac with the Power supply (similar price to MSB) sounded significantly better in my opinion and delivered a much better soundstage.  So it's not about a dac "not delivering".  Both MSB and Nagra are Dac's only and I was using Roon to serve as the streamer into the dac.  The ah ha moment was when I reintroduced the Lumin back into the system as a streamer only and it improved the sound.  It got me wondering what other people are doing for streamers and what their set ups were.  I love love love my dac!!  Prior to the dac I went from Roon into the T2 and I enjoyed that for a couple years until I recently upgraded the dac and started tinkering with my set up.  I understand your commentary, it's definitely not a dac issue.  It's being curious and open to learn from others successes and misses.  That's all.  I do appreciate you and your feedback.  I do like your suggestion as I did not think of going with a Lumin only streamer and your thoughts make great sense so thanks @thyname . 

@ designsfx Roon has been my one constant.  I have a 16 TB Sinology DS918+ also attached to my network.  Currently I have about 50,000 tracks, mostly Hi Res that the Roon accesses.  What I love about the Roon software is that goes out and grabs the best resolution available of music tracks and plays it.  I also love how it has enabled me to discover new music based on music I like or am currently playing.  It has helped me discover new genres I have wouldn't have probably listened to on my own.  For example, I have discovered Jazz music from the 50's and 60's that I love.  Has introduced me to the trumpet and how much I love listening to great Jazz trumpet players.  Yes, I do subscribe to Qobuz and Tidal but it plays music based on music I like so I am constantly being introduced new music globally.  I have had many downfalls and issues with Roon but overall it has provided me many hours of music.  Hope that helps.

@designsfx i think I will look into Lumin options. Liked the suggestion of the U1x. Also, liked options shown on analog audio. They showed some items with great specs.  Most of music has been ripped or comes from Hi Res files. Tomorrow will have to be a day of digesting all but 1 good idea. 

@dancarlson10 @adasdad 

Two great responses.  

Originally, I did have my Roon Nucleus+ connected directly to the Nagra Tube Dac.  Roon is plugged directly into a Furman Ultra Linear Power conditioner Elite 20.  Ironically I do have the Audioquest Niagara model 5000 on order to upgrade from the Furman.  When I was tinkering the first thing in my setup was Roon directly connected to the Nagra via a USB connection.  Then I went and added the Lumin T2 and went from the Roon into the the Lumin then into the Nagra.  This actually improved the sound, thus my post seeing if there was something out there that would improve on the Lumin as a streamer connection.  I also eliminated the Roon completely and streamed Qobuz and Tidal directly into the Nagra from the Lumin. and that sounded great as well.  Based on the "tinkering" it does sound better in both instances when I have the Lumin directly connected to the Nagra or said another way the Lumin in front of the Nagra.

@kellerjr01 Fantastic information.  Thank you reading and responding.  Sounds like with a little more tinkering I will get there.  Appreciate your time.

@metaldetektor 

Thanks for your recommendation on the Grimm MU1.

Wanted to thank everyone for taking time to provide input on my streaming question.  I really appreciate the thoughtful responses.  Yesterday, I received a Grimm MU1 to demo and if all goes well purchase.  I will be setting it up this weekend and will report back my findings.  After receiving feedback I also am upgrading my connection from the Grimm to my Nagra with a spdif by Front Row and eliminating the Shunyata USB connection.  I also upgraded my power cord from the factory one to Audioquest "source" power  cord 2M in the Thunder range.   

@lalitk 

yes it does and thanks!

@metaldetektor 

interested in hearing more about the DP MPS-X. They have an impressive looking array of products.  On your demo are you working with a dealer or direct with manufacturer?

Thanks!

Mark